Brian Morris to depart Melbourne & Olympic Parks

After 13 incredible years, countless events, millions of patrons and extensive an extensive redevelopment program, the CEO of Australia’s most incredible sport and entertainment precinct, Melbourne and Olympic Parks (M&OP), has announced he will be moving on.

During Brian Morris’s time as Chief Executive, M&OP for has experienced unprecedented growth including the re-contracting of the Australian Open until 2036 and a $1.3billion redevelopment of the precinct. The developments have included addition of AAMI Park, Margaret Court Arena and the National Tennis Centre and the comprehensive redevelopment of Rod Laver Arena, and corporate restructures.

Mr Morris said his time at M&OP had been significant and proud part of his life, but it was time to try something new.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to have led the organisation through more than a decade of transformation, change and growth of one of the State’s most important tourism, sports and recreational assets,” he said.

“I take with me many special memories including incredible events such as the Australian Open, Commonwealth Games, FINA World Swimming Championships, sell-out concerts, legendary sporting moments and the unforgettable buzz of hearing a crowds cheer with excitement,” he said.

Melbourne & Olympic Parks is home to Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Arena, Margaret Court Arena, AAMI Park, the National Tennis Centre and the Australian Open. With a new Function and Media Centre and Arena currently under construction. The precinct welcomes more than three million patrons each year, to around 600 sporting and entertainment events and is currently in its third stage of the Victorian Government’s $972 million redevelopment of Melbourne Park.

Mr Morris paid tribute to those who have been involved in his success and acknowledged a number of people for their support.

“Firstly, the Victorian Government has always been an incredibly strong supporter of the Melbourne & Olympic Parks precinct. The reason we are a world-leader is because of the government’s leadership and continued investment in our venues,” Mr Morris said.

“Over the years, there are many people I’ve been privileged to work with alongside and I give my thanks to our hirers – the promoters, sporting clubs and business partners - who bring the events that people love.

“Most of all, to the M&OP team - it has been an honour to lead a dedicated, capable and dynamic team of individuals who have made the past 13 years so enjoyable,” he said.

The process for a replacement CEO is now underway, with an announcement to follow in the coming months. Mr Morris has agreed with the Trust’s Board to stay on until a replacement is recruited, to ensure a structured and orderly handover.